FAQs

What mental health services are available to students while WCC is remote?

The Personal Counseling Department remains committed to providing high-quality mental health care to students. Personal Counselors are available to meet with students for tele-mental health services individually and in groups via Zoom for Healthcare.PCD services available include:

Individual, short-term tele-mental health counseling sessions via Zoomfor Healthcare
Weekly Support Groups via Zoom for Healthcare. Fall 2020 groupsinclude:
a.Grief Support Group
b.Coping Support Group
c.Support for Students who Identify as Women of Color
d.Men’s Mental Health Support Group
Workshops and trainings –Keep up to date with our program offerings byvisiting the college’s calendar (link to college calendar) and/or followingus on Instagram @PersonalCounselingWCC.
Supported Education Program
a.Supported Education advocates for and provides support servicesto Westchester college students who have a mental illness.Supported education helps ensure that the students can remain incollege and achieve success throughout the course of theiracademic careers.

SupportedEd@TheGuidanceCenter.org

I am a WCC student seeking mental health services via PersonalCounseling. Am I eligible for tele-mental health services?

In general, tele-mental health services are available to WCC students who:

Are currently enrolled in courses at Westchester Community College
Are currently located in/living in the state of New York
Have access to Wifi and a private place to attend session via Zoom forHealthcare

What happens if a student needs immediate support or to contact aPersonal Counselor after the Personal Counseling Department is closed?

Personal Counselors are only available during the hours of operation listedbelow.E-mails are responded to within 24-48 hours.If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or need immediate support,please utilize the following crisis information:

Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) (free, 24/7)
Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741-741 (free, 24/7)
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline: 1-844-863-9314

The Personal Counseling Department hours of operation for Fall 2020 are:

Monday-Wednesday: 9AM-5PM
Thursdays: 9AM-7PM
Fridays 9AM-4PM

I am interested in tele-mental health services with Personal Counseling atWCC, what do I do next?

Taking the step to address your mental health is brave!

If you are a new student or have not met with a Personal Counselor in thepast, the first step is to fill out the Appointment Request Form: Requestan Appointment
You will receive a response within 24-48 hours after submitting your form.

What other online or virtual mental health resources are available?

Students can access the online assessments, self-evaluations, and resourcesbelow:

What is Personal Counseling and who is it for?

Personal Counseling is a mental health resource for students currently enrolled in classes at Westchester Community College. Personal Counselors provide free, short-term support for students who are struggling with issues including depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, adjustment, and a range of other personal challenges.

What types of services does the Personal Counseling Department provide?

The Personal Counseling Department offers confidential, individual and group mental health services in addition to campus-wide programming, intended to provide support, education, and healthy ways of coping with stressors and struggles. For more information about specific programs, please seek view our semester calendar.

I do not know if my problems are “that bad.” Should I still see a Personal Counselor?

Whether big or small, if your struggles are affecting you personally and/or academically, it is always good to reach out for support. Reaching out is a sign of strength!

How do I make an appointment with a Personal Counselor?

Students can make an appointment with a Personal Counselor over the phone (914-606-7784/6721, via e-mail (PersonalCounseling@sunywcc.edu), or in-person in the Personal Counseling Department offices (Student Center Rooms 225 & 226).

How many times will I see a Personal Counselor?

You may benefit from two or three sessions to address a specific area of concern, or you may find it helpful to use more sessions to address concerns that warrant more attention. Our service offers short-term counseling but referrals are often made for students who wish to consider longer-term counseling or psychotherapy. Appropriate length of services will be determined between student and Personal Counselor.

Is Personal Counseling confidential?

Yes. The Personal Counseling Department protects student privacy and confidentiality. PCD records are not kept as part of student academic record. PCD staff will not answer questions about any student from parents, family members, friends, significant others, professors, employers, or anyone else outside of the Personal Counseling Department. PCD will release information from counseling sessions to outside parties only upon written authorization from the student and other limited exceptions.

In addition to written authorization, the Personal Counseling Department may release confidential information when:

Student expresses plans to harm self
Student expresses plans to harm others
Abuse or neglect of a child, adult, or elderly person is made known to Personal Counselor

What is the WCC CARE Team?

The campus CARE Team is a cross-functional committee of faculty, staff and administrators who identify, assess and mitigate risks associated with students exhibiting concerning behavior or thoughts. In order to address the wellbeing and security of the community and the individual, the CARE Team will partner with the community and recommend interventions that help ensure the likelihood of a positive and safe resolution.

The Personal Counseling Department staff reserves the right to disclose information to the CARE Team when the safety and wellbeing of this student or others is of concern. When possible, the PCD staff will inform the student of the information being shared.

If I tell a Personal Counselor that I have been drinking alcohol under the age of 21 or using illegal substances like marijuana, will it be reported to police?

No. You are protected under our confidentiality policy.

What happens if I miss my appointment with a Personal Counselor?

If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, The Personal Counseling Department expects 24 hour notice via phone call or e-mail. If you cancel or miss a scheduled appointment, the Personal Counselor will contact you via phone and/or e-mail to re-schedule.

I do not take any classes at the Main Campus in Valhalla, can I still receive Personal Counseling services?

Yes. Personal Counselors will work with students to ensure access to support and services including scheduled appointments at extension centers and/or phone consultations.

If you have any other questions or would like more information about the Personal Counseling Department, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Westchester Community College, State University of New York

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